Wild Crows - 2. Revelation : english version

by Blandine P. Martin

  I parked next to the white fence bordered by leafless trees. I had no difficulty finding my way. The cemetery was small, and many people were walking in a line. I should have guessed there would be a crowd. It was the funeral of the mayor’s daughter. In the distance, I saw a group of men wearing black leather jackets. I walked to them and walked past the hole that had been dug into the ground. As I took my father’s hand, he jumped and looked at me with his sunglasses masking his eyes. They were all wearing them, including Mona.

  When the reverend started his sermon, I felt overwhelmed. I had to gather all my strength to face the family of the little girl, who was standing on the side of the tiny wooden coffin. No child deserved this. My throat hurt, and I fought the tears, which were coming to my eyes. Almost all the members of the club were there. The only one missing was Ash. My heart skipped a beat. This funeral revived the painful memory of the torture Tommy had to endure. Lizbeth and Evan were present, but the little boy wasn’t with them, which was perfectly understandable. The pretty brunette and I exchanged a look, but I quickly lowered my eyes. That morning was a painful reminder of our failure to protect the children.

  Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t realize the sermon was almost over. I was startled when the mayor threw a lovely rose on the coffin. Jenna was right. No matter what kind of man he was, nobody deserved that. Then, my father let go of my hand and walked to the hole. Followed by Mona, he put a flower on the marble surface. Foxy did the same, and I lined up, so I could take a flower in the wicker basket.

  Feeling low, I walked with the members of the Wild Crows to the entrance gate of the cemetery. Nobody spoke. My father gave me a quick hug, before walking back to his Harley.

  Then, I saw him. He was smoking a cigarette, leaning against a willow. I hesitated. Was I supposed to ignore him or run to him? Reason told me to walk away, but my heart told me the opposite. It was a routine now. I wiped my tears with my sleeve and walked to Trevor Laurens. As he spotted me, he clenched his jaw. He was also wearing sunglasses. I wouldn’t be able to see his deep blue eyes, and I regretted it… it would have felt good, especially on that day. It would have also hurt, but I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t think straight anymore.

  Avoiding my eyes, he greeted me, even though I was standing next to him. I hated his cowardice.

  We heard roaring engines in the distance. The Wild Crows were leaving. I watched them drive away in a perfect line. I shivered.

  — "Hello, " I whispered nervously.

  He lowered his eyes, and I tried to force him to face me.

  — "So, it seems to be your thing to attend the funeral from a distance…" I said to provoke him.

  Finally, he looked at me.

  — "I don’t like funerals, " he said blankly.

  — "Are you waiting for your sister? "

  — "No, I was just in the neighborhood…"

  — "I see…"

  The atmosphere was tense, but he and I didn’t seem to be able to do something about it. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I had so many things to tell him, but would it be worth saying them to his face? I doubted it. Still, they were torturing me, and the weight was too heavy to bear. I capitulated.

  — "It was not a mistake, Ash. "

  The words had just come out of my mouth. They were sincere… emotions overwhelmed me. I clenched my jaw to stop the tears, but my lip quivered. Unexpectedly, Ash grabbed my waist and pulled me against him. It was unreal. Instinctively, I pressed my body against his, and placed my head on his chest. He was holding me so tight that I thought I would faint. His embrace felt so good. I was like a junkie, and he was my dope. I needed him viscerally. Being away from him was hard. His deep breathing told me how much he cared, even if he denied it. My face pressed on his shirt, I enjoyed feeling his hips against mine. I hadn’t completely lost the rock that had been keeping me afloat for all these months.

  Then, he took a step back. One more time. The best moments in life never lasted. I looked at him, puzzled about what his next move would be. I lifted his sunglasses with my finger. He gave me a strange look, which told me that he didn’t appreciate it. I didn’t care, and I was getting impatient. I dived in his deep blue eyes. Unexpectedly, Ash kissed my cheek, which left me frustrated. His beard rubbed against my skin. His warm breath was the prelude of a confession.

  — "Take care, Joe, " he whispered to my ear.

  I was stunned. Why was he acting like that?

  He didn’t allow me to ask him. He was already walking to his Harley with his helmet on his head. The next minute, he left without a second look. Once again, I was deprived of my oxygen and the warmth of his presence. I wanted to scream. What did he mean? His last words kept turning in my mind. I let out a deep breath. I would have to deal with my feelings. Hesitantly, I walked back to my Comet, trying to focus on the little angel who had left us.

  As I left the cemetery, I thought about my sorrow for the little girl, the nostalgia of the first moments spent in Monty Valley, and Mack. Now, I also had to deal with the void left by Trevor Laurens.

  I turned on the radio. The soft voice of Mae singing « Unclouded Day » filled the air. I let myself go, and the tears started to flow on my cheeks. Letting go was the only to move forward.

  CHAPTER 29

  Joe

  Mona had left the new schedule in my mailbox. I was happy to discover that I would only be working three nights a week. Two on the weekends, and I would also be behind the counter on Wednesday nights. On the other days, I would be working the day shift, and I would get two days off, each week, that I would need to agree on with the other girls. I was relieved to see that I would never work alone with Carole. Satisfied, I walked toward the Devil’s. When I arrived, Mona was already there. She was working on her own. Being the daughter of the president had its advantages. That morning, I was only at the bar to have a cup of coffee. I was feeling lonely.

  — "Hello!" She said happily.

  — "Hello, Mona. You look fine this morning! "

  — "Darling, you’re looking at a happy wife, who will be home early tonight. "

  I laughed. She was unique. She poured me a large cup of coffee, which I smelled, before sipping it.

  Then, the door opened and my father, followed by Billy, walked in. Mona poured two more cups. Jerry kissed me, while the oldest member of the club gave me a gentle tap on the shoulder.

  — "So, today is the big day? " Asked Mona.

  I gave them a surprised look, not understanding what they were talking about.

  — "Yep, " Billy told her. "The newbie will be there in an hour. "

  — "Do you mean the new member? " I asked

  — "Yes, Xander, " answered my father.

  — "Oh! "

  I had almost forgotten about that guy.

  — "Where does he come from? "

  — "Reno. One of our “fathers” is from there. "

  I nodded. I had already heard about these so-called fathers. Casey had mentioned them before.

  Ten minutes later, the door opened, and a dark-haired man in his twenties walked in. He was wearing an old leather jacket, on which was embroiled the emblem of the Wild Crows and the banner of Reno. He was the new guy.

  — "Hi, " he said, smiling to my father, as he extended his hand. "I’m early. I’m Alexander Ashbee. "

  The president grunted, as his face darkened. Billy mimicked him, and the poor kid must have been wondering why he had come. I almost laughed.

  — "Are you Jerry? Franck told me that I should talk to you directly."

  — "Yeah, that’s me, " said my father, as he stood up and grabbed the kid’s hand, before squeezing it as hard as he could.

  I felt for him. Then, Billy gave him a big slap on the back, and the new man in town almost choked. The hazing was just starting. I winced.

  — "Come on. I’ll give you a tour." Billy said, as he put an arm around his shoulders.

  As soon as they left, I burst out laughing. I gave a reproachful look to my father.

>   — "You traumatized this kid! "

  — "Talking like an old lady, uh, " he joked. "He has a lot to learn! "

  He laughed too, before opening the door. Then, he whistled, and his friend turned around.

  — "Hey, Billy! Give him Ash’s locker! "

  Still laughing, he walked back to us. I was stunned.

  — "Ash’s locker? " I asked.

  — "Yeah. He won’t need it anymore. When he comes back, it will still be here. We might even buy new ones, " said my father naturally.

  I was confused.

  — "What do you mean? Back from where? "

  I didn’t understand. His words made no sense…

  — "Ash left last night, " Mona explained.

  — "Where did he go? "

  I tried to look detached, but I was panicking inside.

  — "Reno" said my father, as he sipped his second cup of coffee.

  — "But… I don’t understand. Why? "

  My father had left to join his men, so Mona gave me the explanation.

  — "It’s an exchange, " she said. "Xander here and Ash over there. "

  — "Why would Ash want to leave…?"

  — "It’s temporary, probably for a few months. The club owes Franck Bogart, the father in Reno. He wanted Xander to come to Monty Valley. The kid was in trouble in his town, but Bogart couldn’t afford to lose a man, especially now that business is going so well. He needs another guy to replace Xander, until he recruits another member. No one wanted to go to Reno, but when your father asked, Ash accepted right away. I think the kidnapping of his nephew was too much for him. It will do him good."

  I analysed each of her words, repeating them in my head like a melody. My whole world was crumbling around me. He had left, and he didn’t tell me. One more time, he had escaped without a word. Then, I remembered what he had told me the day before, and it became crystal clear. I thought that he was trying to be gentle with me, but he was saying goodbye. I paid for my coffee and left, as Mona was watching me, probably wondering what was going on.

  — "Joe, are you alright? "

  — "I’m fine, " I replied.

  I sat behind the wheel of my Comet and started to drive, without knowing where I was going. I rolled down the windows and kept driving on the freeway. The cold wind whipped my cheeks, which reminded me I was still alive despite the pain. I turned left, on the road leading to the lake. After I had parked, I took out my phone from my purse. I knew it was never a good idea to act impulsively. Still, how could I fight my need to scream my anger and express this feeling of injustice that was eating me up? Suddenly, I realized that I hated him for giving me hope, before taking it away from me. Once more, I decided not to listen to my conscience, and I typed on my phone, while tears were flowing down my cheeks. It only took me a few seconds to write a message. It would be the last.

  « Coward. »

  BONUS

  Ash

  Jerry was talking about those damned Russians, but all I could think about was her. Looking at him blankly, I nodded. I wasn’t listening anymore, but he didn’t seem to notice. My movements were mechanical. The guys were talking about the death of Kasabov. I wished I could have killed the bastard myself. He had turned Mack against us, using his only weakness, heroin. But the worst of all was that he had touched her. All I could think about was Joe. It was insane. It had to stop.

  — "Ash, are you with us? "

  My friend had finally noticed that I was not listening.

  — "Yeah, sorry. I was thinking about something else. "

  His face darkened. He looked at me sadly.

  — "I understand… I’m sorry about your nephew. "

  He clenched his jaw, as he spoke. Thinking about it made me sick to my stomach, but I had the opportunity to blow his brains. It was a small satisfaction compared to the damage that he had done. Damn, poor Tommy…

  — "I sent a teddy bear and a card on behalf of the club. I hope he’ll get better. "

  — "So do I. "

  How could a seven-years-old get over such a traumatic experience? This monster had ruined his life. No psychiatrist would be able to go back in time to erase the past. Still, I had to pretend… At least for Tommy.

  — "We ordered flowers for Bowman’s kid. The funeral is tomorrow. "

  — "I don’t think that I’ll go. "

  — "As you wish."

  I nodded. No matter what the problem was, Jerry was always by side, when I needed him. He was more than a friend. Jerry was a brother, my brother. He never backed down, even when his life was on the line. Sometimes he was tough on us, but it was his role. A soft guy wouldn’t have been able to lead a motorbike club. If the Wild Crows had been going strong during all these years, it was thanks to this guy. I had been so lucky to cross his path.

  Jerry came closer to me and slapped me on the shoulder.

  — "Take some time off and take care of your sister, Ash. Do it for the kid. We’ll always be there for you. "

  I nodded, but my eyes were fixed on the door which she had walked through, a few moments ago. Deep inside, I felt something wasn’t right. What an idiot!!… I sighed. I had been so stressed lately. I hated the whole world for what Tommy had to go through. The night before, I was looking for any reason to get into a fight. But Joe had been there. It was insane, but I had never cried in front of anybody before. When I had no pride left, she had been there for me. Her sweetness had helped me feel better…and in the morning… Damn! It shouldn’t have happened. Maybe I had been weak because I was tired and sad, but it was difficult to resist her smile. Still, I should have fought harder. I was aware of this bond between us, but it was no excuse. I had disrespected the man who had always been there for me. I had betrayed my best friend. Jerry was trying to help me out, while his daughter had been sleeping in my bed the night before. Luckily, he had stopped us…otherwise things could have gone out of hand. I sighed.

  — "Jerry. You said the guys from Reno needed a man? "

  — "That’s right, " he answered gravely.

  — "I’m your man. "

  He seemed surprised.

  — "Are you sure? It might not be the best moment for you to get out of town…"

  — "On the contrary. "

  He froze, trying to figure out what I meant.

  — "If that’s what you want, I can make a phone call. You’ll be gone before the end of the week. "

  — "Fine. "

  We looked at each other. Our friendship had survived so many storms. Only treason could have destroyed it. I had to do something about this situation. I needed to kill the fire before it burnt everything in its way. My friend was staring at me. I felt ashamed. Leaving was the only solution for me. Running away from my demons was the right thing to do. I had to escape from the angel who had come into my depraved life. She and her father deserved better. If I wanted to stay in the club, I had only one option.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  This is the end of the second volume, but the Wild Crows’ adventures will continue in a few months. The fourth book will put an end to their story.

  I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the warm welcome you gave to Addiction, the first volume. I wasn’t expecting to have so many readers, but more importantly, I was nervous about their first reviews. When I finally read them, I was delighted. It was risky to write about bikers. So many romance stories had been written, and I wanted to imagine something completely different! No more easy love stories, or unbridled sexuality…I wanted to talk about family values, feelings, self-introspection, …and freedom! I am blessed to be able to write about the ideas that come to my mind. It was exciting to explore the lifestyle of the Wild Crows and write about their wild rides in California.

  I hope you enjoyed reading this second volume. Some scenes are violent, but they are necessary to describe how mafias work in a realistic way. Some authors chose not to talk about these topics, but I didn’t want to limit myself, even though some pages are difficult to read. St
ill, my stories always end well. Each volume keeps you hanging to your seat, but the last one will give you all the answers. Trust me!!

  Now, I would like to reassure the readers who felt that romance was missing in the first book. I am talking to all of you who are true romantics. I am looking forward to reading your opinions on this second volume.

  Finally, I would like to thank my dream team. I am talking about my proofreaders who have been following me since the beginning. They work relentlessly to give me some advice, and I can tell you that it’s not always easy.

  I think that I haven’t forgotten anyone, and I would like to thank you again for your support, and kind messages. I hope you will enjoy the next two volumes.